Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon’s solar industry can breathe a sigh of relief, after a ruling by the Public Utility Commission.

The private utility, Pacific Power, had requested a decision from the PUC. That request tested the legality of arrangements between governments and energy companies that use tax credits to help pay for solar projects, and then profit by selling energy to utilities.

Pacific Power contended that the arrangements were bending energy law, and needed to be clarified by the PUC to avoid potential lawsuits.

The PUC upheld the practice. That turns the switch on for Oregon solar projects that had been in the dark.

Art Sasse with Pacific Power says the utility is grateful for the ruling.

Art Sasse: “We appreciate the PUC giving us all the quick, legal clarity that was necessary to continue to promote solar power throughout Oregon, while protecting our customers and all energy consumers. We have a number of public-private solar power projects that will continue moving forward.”

Some government leaders questioned Pacific Power’s support for solar energy when they raised the issue to the utility commission.

A different outcome could have jeopardized projects that are anticipating the expiration of federal tax credits.  The biggest project of this kind is being planned for Multnomah County.

The commissioner leading that project called the PUC ruling a “victory for renewable energy.”